U.S. patent application number 11/713185 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-02 for holster handgun locator and lock.
This patent application is currently assigned to Safariland Ltd., Inc.. Invention is credited to Norman E. JR. Clifton.
Application Number | 20070175935 11/713185 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42734739 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070175935 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clifton; Norman E. JR. |
August 2, 2007 |
Holster handgun locator and lock
Abstract
A handgun is releasably secured in a holster by a lever
pivotally mounted to the holster carrying a forward locking member
for positively engaging a handgun portion locking same in place. A
rearward lever portion is movable by a user to pivot it away from
engaging a handgun so that it can be withdrawn from the holster.
Positioning member is affixed to a holster and engages the handgun
which may include a tension device. A muzzle positioner may be used
to engage within the bore of the muzzle, which includes an
alignment pin and an attachment fastener to the holster.
Inventors: |
Clifton; Norman E. JR.;
(Jacksonville, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARTHUR G. YEAGER, P.A.
245-1 EAST ADAMS STREET
JACKSONVILLE
FL
32202-3336
US
|
Assignee: |
Safariland Ltd., Inc.
|
Family ID: |
42734739 |
Appl. No.: |
11/713185 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11038915 |
Jan 20, 2005 |
|
|
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11713185 |
Mar 2, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/243 ;
224/196 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 17/00 20130101;
F41C 33/0263 20130101; F41C 33/04 20130101; F41C 33/0245 20130101;
F41C 33/0227 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/243 ;
224/196 |
International
Class: |
F41C 33/02 20060101
F41C033/02 |
Claims
1. Handgun locking apparatus for securing a holsterable handgun in
a holster having a body and an interior cavity and having a long
axis extending from the top to the bottom of such holster
comprising a lever member having a forward portion and a rearward
portion, means for movably mounting said lever member to the
holster, said lever member having a locking member located in said
cavity for positively engaging a portion of a handgun for locking a
handgun in holstered position inside the holster to inhibit the
withdrawal of a handgun from the holster, said rearward portion of
said lever member being movable by a user to pivot said locking
member about a pivot axis positioned normal to the long axis of the
holster away from a handgun for allowing a handgun to be withdrawn
from the holster.
2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said lever member
includes a forward spring member for contacting the body of the
holster for biasing said forward portion of said lever member
towards a holstered handgun to locate said locking member into
positive engagement with a handgun holstered in the holster.
3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said cavity is
molded to define interior surface spaced away from said forward
portion of said lever member to allow for movement of said forward
portion of said lever member away from a holstered handgun a
sufficient distance to allow for withdrawal of a handgun from the
holster.
4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for
movably mounting includes a pair of spaced posts affixed to said
lever member for pivotally mounting said lever member to and inside
the holster.
5. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said rearward
portion of said lever member includes an operating arm for
operating said lever member to move said locking member away from a
handgun for allowing withdrawal of a handgun carried in the
holster.
6. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said locking member
is sized to fit against an edge of an ejection port of a
handgun.
7. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for
movably mounting includes a pivot mounting of said lever member in
said cavity for movement about said pivot axis.
8. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said body of said
lever member includes at least one sloping surface for guiding the
movement of a handgun being inserted into said interior cavity of
the holster.
9. The apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said at least one
sloping surface includes an extension arm extending forwardly of
said forward portion of said body and a locking surface integral
with said extension arm positionable in contact with a portion of a
handgun for inhibiting withdrawal of a handgun from the
holster.
10. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including a tension
member for positioning a handgun inserted into the holster into
contact with said locking member, said tension member including a
body, said body having a movable arm member with a handgun
contacting surface and a camming surface, said body further
including a lower holster engaging surface, a movable member
carried by said body and in contact with said camming surface for
selectively moving said arm member to position said handgun
contacting surface against a handgun for forcing a handgun into a
first position.
11. The apparatus as defined in claim 10 further including means to
rigidly mount said tension device inside the holster.
12. The apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said body further
includes a gun-contacting surface for limiting downward travel of a
handgun in the holster.
13. The apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said movable
member includes a screw mounted in said body, said screw having a
first end portion in contact with said camming surface and a second
end portion adapted for rotation of said screw by a user for moving
said handgun-contacting surface.
14. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said locking member
is sized to fit against a portion of a handgun.
15. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said rearward
portion of said lever member includes a pad member for affixing
said lever member to and inside a holster, said pad member having a
hole therethrough for a fastener for affixing said lever member to
the holster.
16. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein a portion of said
body of said lever member is arcuate in shape and has an outer
surface positioned away from said forward wall portion of said
cavity and an inner surface formed to provide said locking
surface.
17. The apparatus as defined in claim 16 wherein said locking
surface includes a projecting portion sized to fit with a portion
of an ejection port of the handgun to inhibit withdrawal of a
handgun.
18. The apparatus as defined in claim 16 wherein said locking
surface includes a projecting portion, said projecting portion
being positionable against a forward edge of an ejection port of a
handgun.
19. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a tension member in
the holster for positioning a handgun inserted into a holster with
a handgun in contact with said locking member.
20. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including a muzzle
locator for positioning a handgun in the holster, said locator
having a body with a passageway therethrough for affixing said body
to the holster a fastener disposed through said passageway for
connecting said body to said holster, said body including a muzzle
insert extending generally along a long axis of the holster and
sized to fit within the muzzle of a holstered handgun to position
the muzzle end of a handgun in the holster so that said locking
member will engage a handgun and retain same until released.
21. The apparatus as defined in claim 20 further including an
alignment pin for installation in another passageway extending
generally parallel to said passageway for positioning said body so
that said muzzle insert is slidably engaged in a muzzle.
22. The apparatus as defined in claim 20 further including an
alignment pin that includes a head portion and an end portion
having at least one projecting boss thereon, said body formed with
another passageway therethrough and including a pair of wide
passages in each side surface of said member and a continuous
narrow passage from one said wide passage to another said wide
passage, said projecting boss being positioned into said another
passageway to secure said pin therein so that a muzzle end of a
handgun holstered in the holster will receive said muzzle
insert.
23. The apparatus as defined in claim 22 wherein said body of said
locator includes a rearwardly disposed muzzle stop boss for
limiting forward travel of a handgun in the holster.
24. The apparatus as defined in claim 23 wherein said stop boss is
located below said muzzle insert for contacting the forward end of
a guide rod of a handgun in the holster.
25. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including a muzzle
positioning device for positioning the muzzle end of a handgun in
the holster, said device having a body with a first passageway for
affixing said body to the holster and a second generally aligned
passageway with said first passageway being affixed to said holster
by a fastener extending through said first passageway, said body
including a muzzle insert sized to fit within the muzzle of a
holstered handgun, and an alignment pin for installation in said
second passageway of said body for positioning said muzzle insert
with respect to the holster and the muzzle end of a handgun so that
said locking member engages the handgun.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
"HANDGUN LOCKING DEVICE AND HOLSTER", Ser. No. 11/038,915, filed
Jan. 20, 2005.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to safety devices to inhibit
unauthorized or accidental withdrawal of a handgun from a holster,
and particularly to handguns carrying a flashlight.
[0006] 2. Related Art
[0007] A wide variety of safety devices exist to inhibit withdrawal
of a handgun from a holster by anyone other than the user. What is
desirable is an improved locking device that is safe and allows for
rapid withdrawal of a handgun when necessary but greatly reduces
the likelihood of accidental or unauthorized movement of the gun.
In addition, the safety devices should be compatible with other
safety devices to further enhance the security of the user. What is
desired is a device in a holster that accommodates a handgun
carrying a flashlight.
[0008] In recent years more law enforcement agencies have required
firearms holsters to have additional security to maintain the
weapon in the holster during a conflict. Such additional security
have used inventions that lock on the trigger guard or the ejection
port of the handgun. With the advent of miniature flashlights
mounted to an integral part of the bottom frame of the weapon, the
holster securing designs have become problematic. The passage area
designed in the holster to allow the light to pass through creates
too large an opening for most lock devices to be able to secure to
the trigger guard. Designs that lock on the ejection port of the
weapon require indexing the weapon in such a way that the pistol
cannot move away from the locking device until some type of release
is intentionally made by the user. This indexing uses the forward
part of the trigger guard as well as the bottom of the frame of the
pistol problems arise however when a flash light is mounted to the
handgun. Problems arise, however, when a flashlight is mounted to
the handgun. A further concern is caused when the user removes the
light from the pistol but still needs to securely holster the
pistol in the same holster that was designed to accommodate the
light mounted to the pistol. The primary function of the present
design is to index on the muzzle of the weapon and the front part
of the pistol frame in such a way that the weapon is secure until
the ejection port lock is released. This design allows the same
indexing and securing even when the light is removed from the
pistol, and allows different types of lights with similar shapes to
be used in the same holster.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a
handgun locking apparatus for securing a holsterable handgun in a
holster having a body and an interior cavity and having a long axis
extending form the top to the bottom of such holster comprising a
lever member having a forward portion and a rearward portion, means
for movably mounting said lever member to the holster, the lever
member having a locking member located in the cavity for positively
engaging a portion of a handgun for locking a handgun in holstered
position inside the holster to inhibit the withdrawal of a handgun
from the holster, the rearward portion of the lever member being
movable by a user to pivot the locking member about a pivot axis
positioned normal to the long axis of the holster away from a
handgun for allowing a handgun to be withdrawn from the
holster.
[0010] The lever member includes a forward spring member for
contacting the body of the holster for biasing the forward portion
of the lever member towards a holstered handgun to locate the
locking member into positive engagement with a handgun holstered in
the holster. The cavity is molded to define interior surface spaced
away from the forward portion of the lever member to allow for
movement of the forward portion of the lever member away from a
holstered handgun a sufficient distance to allow for withdrawal of
a handgun from the holster. The means for movably mounting includes
a pair of spaced posts affixed to the lever member for pivotally
mounting the lever member to and inside the holster. The rearward
portion of the lever member includes an operating arm for operating
the lever member to move the locking member away from a handgun for
allowing withdrawal of a handgun carried in the holster. The
locking member is sized to fit against an edge of an ejection port
of a handgun. The means for movably mounting includes a pivot
mounting of the lever member in the cavity for movement about the
pivot axis. The body of the lever member includes at least one
sloping surface for guiding the movement of a handgun being
inserted into the interior cavity of the holster. The at least one
sloping surface includes an extension arm extending forwardly of
the forward portion of the body and a locking surface integral with
the extension arm positionable in contact with a portion of a
handgun for inhibiting withdrawal of a handgun from the
holster.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention there is included a
tension member for positioning a handgun inserted into the holster
into contact with the locking member, the tension member including
a body, the body having a movable arm member with a handgun
contacting surface and a camming surface. The body further includes
a lower holster engaging surface and a movable member carried by
the body and in contact with the camming surface for selectively
moving the arm member to position the handgun contacting surface
against a handgun for forcing a handgun into a first position. Also
included is means to rigidly mount the tension device inside the
holster. The body further includes a gun-contacting surface for
limiting downward travel of a handgun in the holster. The movable
member includes a screw mounted in the body, the screw having a
first end portion in contact with the camming surface and a second
end portion adapted for rotation of the screw by a user for moving
said handgun-contacting surface. The locking member is sized to fit
against a portion of a handgun. The rearward portion of the lever
member includes a pad member for affixing the lever member to and
inside a holster, the pad member having a hole therethrough for a
fastener for affixing the lever member to the holster. A portion of
the body of the lever member is arcuate in shape and has an outer
surface positioned away from the forward wall portion of the cavity
and an inner surface formed to provide the locking surface. The
locking surface includes a projecting portion sized to fit with a
portion of an ejection port of the handgun to inhibit withdrawal of
a handgun, the portion of the port being a forward edge.
[0012] In another aspect of the present invention there is included
a muzzle locator for positioning a handgun in the holster, the
locator having a body with a passageway therethrough for affixing
the body to the holster a fastener disposed through the passageway
for connecting the body to the holster, the body including a muzzle
insert extending generally along a long axis of the holster and
sized to fit within the muzzle of a holstered handgun to position
the muzzle end of a handgun in the holster so that the locking
member will engage a handgun and retain same until released. An
alignment pin is included for installation in another passageway
extending generally parallel to the passageway for positioning the
body so that the muzzle insert is slidably engaged in a muzzle. The
alignment pin includes a head portion and an end portion having at
least one projecting boss thereon, the body formed with another
passageway therethrough and including a pair of wide passages in
each side surface of the member and a continuous narrow passage
from one wide passage to another wide passage, the projecting boss
being positioned into another passageway to secure the pin therein
so that a muzzle end of a handgun holstered in the holster will
receive the muzzle insert. The body of the locator includes a
rearwardly disposed muzzle stop boss for limiting forward travel of
a handgun in the holster. A stop boss is located below the muzzle
insert for contacting the forward end of a guide rod of a handgun
in the holster.
[0013] Finally, the muzzle positioning device is provided for
positioning the muzzle end of a handgun in the holster, the device
having a body with a first passageway for affixing the body to the
holster and a second generally aligned passageway with the first
passageway being affixed to the holster by a fastener extending
through the first passageway, the body including a muzzle insert
sized to fit within the muzzle of a holstered handgun, and an
alignment pin for installation in the second passageway of the body
for positioning the muzzle insert with respect to the holster and
the muzzle end of a handgun so that the locking member engages the
handgun.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0014] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic
of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended
claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization
and method of operation, together with further objects and
advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the
following description taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of a holster having an interior molded
surface in accord with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a rearward perspective view of the spring-loaded
ejection port lock in accord with the present invention for use
with the holster of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of the lock of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a front view of the lock of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the lock of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the lock of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the lock of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of the port lock in accord with the
present invention showing a partially cutaway section illustrating
an interior surface feature of the lock;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a top view of the lock of FIG. 8 partially cutaway
and fitted over a handgun;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a side view of a handgun showing the relationship
of a lock of FIG. 8 to a handgun;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the lock of FIG. 8 showing its
relationship to an interior surface of a holster;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a side view of the lock of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate two views of an adjustable
tension device in accord with the present invention;
[0028] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the
locking device in accord with the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the locking device
in accord with the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 19 is another view of the locking device in accord with
the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 20 is another view of the locking device of FIG.
19;
[0032] FIG. 21 is another embodiment of an adjustable tension
device in accord with the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a pictorial view of a handgun to be secured by
the locking device of FIGS. 19-20;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a pictorial view of a handgun to be secured by
the locking device of FIG. 18;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a side pictorial view of a handgun with a light
carrier attached thereto illustrating the relative placement of a
locking device, a flashlight and lens shield, a muzzle locator and
alignment pin in accord with the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 25 illustrates the relative placement of the muzzle
locator and the light carrier in accord with the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a top view of the alignment pin in accord with
the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the alignment pin of FIG.
26;
[0039] FIG. 28 is a top view of the muzzle locator in accord with
the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 29 is a side view of the muzzle locator of FIG. 28;
[0041] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the muzzle locator of FIGS.
28 and 29;
[0042] FIG. 31 is a side view of a holster and holstered handgun to
which is mounted the muzzle locator in accord with the present
invention; and
[0043] FIG. 32 is a front view of the installed muzzle locator in
accord with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a holster 10 containing a holstered
handgun 11 in interior cavity 13 formed by holster body 12. Body 12
is a rigidly molded structure with an interiorly disposed portion
14 adjacent the ejection port of handgun 11 or any other surface
that can be engaged to inhibit withdrawal of the handgun 11.
[0045] The interior cavity 13 of the holster 10 is molded for a
specific model of handgun 11 and includes space for a spring-loaded
ejection port locking device shown generally at 18 in FIGS. 2-7
[0046] The specific locking device 18 shown in FIGS. 2-7 is mounted
via mounting posts 22 extending outwardly from mounting arms 21 of
body 19 that fit within mounting holes 16 of holster 10. An
alternate construction of a locking device will be discussed
hereinbelow. An integrally formed operating lever 20 has a thumb
pad 24 on an end thereof.
[0047] The body or saddle 19 of locking device 18 is formed to
engage upward surfaces of a specific handgun 11 to position the gun
properly in the holster and includes an interiorly disposed
ejection port indexing edge 26 that fits against respective front
edge 27 of the right-side ejection port 29 of handgun 11 (FIG. 10).
Preferably, an opposed pair of spaced indexing edges 30, 31 are
also molded into device body 19 to fit against a handgun to also
assist in positioning the gun with respect to the device 18.
[0048] When locking device 18 is secured inside holster 10, it will
rest slightly below the mating surface created by molded cavity 17.
As will be described in more detail below, the insertion of handgun
11 into holster cavity 13 against angled locking saddle surface 23
will cause the locking device 18 to be pushed into cavity 17
forcing locking edge 26 into ejection port 29 and against locking
front edge 27. From this position it will be necessary to move the
locking edge 26 away from ejection port 29 to withdraw a handgun 11
upwardly out of the holster. The angled locking saddle surface 23
may be defined as at least one sloping surface to guide the handgun
into its proper seated position in the holster.
[0049] From the directions referenced in FIG. 1, rearward movement
of operating arm 20 by pressure on thumb pad 24 will cause the main
body 19 of device 18 to pivot about post axis 22A toward cavity 17.
The locking edge 26 will move away from port edge 27 a sufficient
distance to allow the handgun 11 to be withdrawn from the holster
10. Forward spring member 19A is bendable around pivot portion 19B
as operating lever arm 20 is pushed rearwardly causing body 19 to
move away from handgun 11. The member 19A normally rests against
the interior surface of molded cavity 17 and applies a rearward
force onto the handgun while the tension device 32 maintains proper
positioning of the handgun 11 in the holster cavity 13.
[0050] An adjustable tension device (ATD) 32 is fixed to the
interior cavity 13 of the holster 10. As handgun 11 is inserted
into holster 10, the handgun 11 will come into contact with an
angled funneling surface portion 33 of ATD 32 and position the
handgun 11 against the locking device 18 to place the locking
surface 26 of device 18 into contact with ejection port 29 of
handgun 11. The handgun 11 will be locked into place with locking
edge 26 against edge 27 of port 29. Tension device only is for
muzzle location and applying tension on the holstered pistol, i.e.,
to give resistance during draw of handgun and take up loose play
between pistol and holster.
[0051] With respect to FIGS. 8-12, a second embodiment of a
spring-loaded ejection port lock 34 is illustrated. A mounting pad
35 includes a hole 36 therethrough for passage of a fastener to
rigidly affix lock device 34 to the interior cavity 13 of a holster
10. Mounting holes 16 (FIG. 1) would not be formed in the holster
when using lock device 34.
[0052] Pad member 35 is part of a forward lever 39 that is movable
about a first pivot portion 40. A second spring member 37 is
movable about a second pivot portion 38. An operating arm 41 has a
thumb pad 42 adjacent a hook member 43 used to movably position arm
41 to a portion of holster body 12 as clearly shown in partial
cross-section in FIG. 9.
[0053] The upper surfaces of the main body 45 of locking device 34
fit spaced away from a molded cavity 44 that is formed to
accommodate the lock 34 in a manner similar to the fitting of lock
18 into cavity 17. Spring lever arm 37 fits within cavity 44 (as
shown by bulge 48 in FIG. 1).
[0054] FIGS. 8-12 illustrate the arrangement of the ejection port
lock 34 with respect to a specific handgun 11. Interior surfaces 46
include a locking surface 47 usable against an ejection port in a
manner substantially identical to that described hereinabove with
respect to FIG. 1-7.
[0055] FIGS. 13-14 illustrate the adjustable tension device 32.
Body 49 is preferably formed of hard plastic material and is
mounted via hole 52 to holster 10 and includes a camming surface 50
integral with an arm member 50A and which is movable slightly
upwardly by a screw 53 mounted in threaded hole 54. Member 51
provides a travel limit for screw 53. Upper surface 55 is adjusted
via screw 53 to contact the handgun 11. Rearward surface 56
contacts the trigger guard of a handgun 11 and functions as a gun
travel limit. Lower surface 57 rests against the spine of a holster
10.
[0056] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate another embodiment of a locking
device 58. With the exception of forward extension arm 59 the
device 58 is identical to the lock 34. Extension arm 59 includes an
enveloping hood 60 at the end 61 thereof. Hood 60 fits against the
radiused detail 62A on weapon 62 or the forward muzzle sight of a
handgun 62 to hold the gun in the holster 11.
[0057] Lock device 58 is employed for certain firearms that do not
include a sufficient locking surface adjacent the main body or
saddle 45, for example the firearm depicted in FIG. 22. Thus the
lock device 58 need not include locking edges 26 and 47 but will
include a forward locking surface, such as 64A or 66A.
[0058] With respect to FIG. 18, another embodiment of a locking
device 63 is shown in perspective. The lock 63 is substantially
identical to lock device 34 with the exception of extension arm 64
which includes sloping surface 64B. Oval boss 64A fits within an
oval-shaped lightening cut 79 and engaging shoulder 80 formed on
Glock 78 (FIG. 23).
[0059] FIGS. 19-20 illustrate another locking device 65 that is
substantially identical to the device 34 with exception of the
extension arm 66 and locking surface 66A, which is used with a
particular firearm such as a Berretta 76 (FIG. 22).
[0060] Each of the locking devices disclosed hereinabove operates
in the following manner. Each locking device has a forward portion
with upper and lower surfaces and a rear portion with a pivot point
between. The forward portion is pressed downwardly on a handgun in
a holster and positively engages the gun at some area (such as
ejection ports) to lock the gun in the holster to inhibit
withdrawal of the gun. The lower surface of the saddle position
includes angled or sloping surfaces which position the device over
the gun slide and to center the device by directing movement of the
handgun. Pressure on a rearward lever-operating arm causes the
forward gun-engaging portion of the device to move away from the
gun. The pivoting of the forward portion is around the mounting
axle axis of device 18 or around a pivot area such as area 40 of
devices 34, 58, 63 and 65. Spring members on the front of the
device provide a means to push the device onto the gun but in a
manner that allows for spacing between the locking portion body or
saddle and the mating surface located in the front portion of the
holster which provides sufficient space for unlocking the device
from the gun by moving the locking portion body away from the
locking features of the holstered firearm. The adjustable tension
device such as 32 is provided to assist in positioning the gun in
the holster to provide for proper engagement between the handgun
and the locking device.
[0061] The exact dimensions of the locking devices and mating
surfaces depend on the specific handgun involved.
[0062] If the holster 10 used has an open muzzle end, the preferred
tension device used will be the device 67 illustrated in FIG. 21.
The gun contacting surface 68 integral with arm member 72 carrying
a camming surface 73. Camming surface 73 is in contact with
adjustment screw 74 threaded through passageway 75. Bottom surface
71 rests against the spine or rearward portion of a holster 10 and
is secured through opening 70. A gun-contacting surface 76 contacts
the trigger guard of a handgun and provides a travel limit for a
handgun 11 in holster 10. Adjustment screw 74 is accessible through
an open muzzle end of a holster 10 thus making adjustments faster
and more convenient.
[0063] A number of other devices such as rollers and wedge-shaped
blocks can be used in lieu of ATD's 32 and 67. ATD's 32, 67 are
preferred devices because they are adjustable in order to provide a
correct positioning of the handgun and the locking devices
discussed herein.
[0064] The forward spring members, such as member 19A, are shown as
integral plastic elements, it is important to note that the spring
members may in fact be other devices such as coil springs that are
attached to the main body of a given locking device. In addition,
operating arms are also shown as integral with the locking device
body of a particular embodiment. It is to be understood that such
arms can be separate members attached to the device body by any
appropriate means.
[0065] The devices shown are designed for a right-hand draw.
Devices for a left-hand draw are mirror images of respective
right-hand devices and are otherwise substantially identical in
structure and operation.
[0066] With respect to FIGS. 24 and 25, a handgun 11 is shown
illustrating the relative placement of a muzzle positioner or
locator 100 for positioning a handgun 11 and a light carrier 101
carrying a flashlight 102 (operable by pushbutton 104) and a lens
shield 103 in accord with the present invention.
[0067] Light carrier 101 is attached to handgun 11 by any
conventional means. The locking device 34 shown represents any
locking device discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-23
hereinabove.
[0068] FIGS. 26, 27 illustrate the alignment pin 105 used in the
present invention. Pin 105 includes a head 106, shaft portion 107,
a pair of oppositely disposed elongate slots 108 and a forward end
109, formed to include two laterally slightly enlarged bosses 110
to provide for a snap fit of pin 105 into device 100 as will be
discussed.
[0069] FIGS. 28-30 illustrate the muzzle locator 111 having body
112 and a muzzle locator element 113 with a tapered rearwardly
disposed insert portion 114 and a pair of oppositely disposed
bosses 115 therein. Recesses 116 in insert 114 provide for reduced
weight. A lower passageway 118 is used with a fastener 121 to affix
the locator 111 to holster 122 via holster passages 127 (FIG. 31).
A pair of enlarged passages 119 forms a pair of ledges and is
contiguous with a reduced central passage 120 therethrough (FIG.
28) beginning slightly inside body 112. The narrow passage 120 and
interior ring flanges 120A and wider end portions 110 provide for a
snap-fit alignment of pin 105 therein for positively locking the
pin 105 in place. Portions 110 pass through passage 120 and are
forced past ring flange 120A and fit into passage 120 thereby being
rigidly contained in body 112. The size of bosses 110 and length of
wide passages 119 provide that the bosses 110 can be forced past
the narrow ring flange 120A from either side of locator 111 for
ambidextrous use of pin 105. The head 106 of pin 105, when fully
inserted in passage 120 is disposed in either enlarged passage 119
and is flush with the outside surface of body 112.
[0070] FIG. 31 illustrates a holster 122 having an interior cavity
123 with a light-carrying interior portion 125 in the
light-carrying portion 124 of the holster 122. A lens shield flange
126 is mounted in forward portion or muzzle end 135 of the holster
122. See also FIG. 32.
[0071] A passageway 130 accommodate fastener 121 such as a T-nut
and a screw or similar apparatus to affix member 112 via lower
passageway 118.
[0072] A passageway 129 is used on one side of the forward or
muzzle end 135 of holster 122 to provide for alignment pin 105
therethrough and into upper passageway 119, 120 of body 112.
Fastener 121 secures the body 112 to the forward or muzzle end 135
of holster 122. Alignment pin 105 is used to precisely position the
body 112 to in turn position the muzzle stop boss 117 and muzzle
insert 114 which is tapered to accommodate various handguns 11
used. As shown in FIG. 24, stop boss 117 fits against the guide rod
131 of the handgun 11 and muzzle insert 114 fits into muzzle
132.
[0073] The pin 105 and body 112 are formed to be usable with either
a left or right-handed holster 122. A right-handed holster 122 is
illustrated.
[0074] For a left-handed holster the screw portion of 121 would be
located on the opposite side of the holster 122 shown in FIG. 31
and the front portion 109 of the pin 105 would also be on the
opposite side as would be evident to those skilled in the art.
[0075] In summary, the body 112 of locator 111 includes two
passageways 118 and 120, that carry a fastener 121 and alignment
pin 105 respectively to provide for positioning locator muzzle
insert 114 into the muzzle 132 of the handgun 11 to position the
muzzle 132 of the handgun 11 to position the muzzle 132 of the
handgun 11 to cause engagement of handgun 11 with the locking
member employed in the specific holster used.
[0076] The passageways 118, 120 are generally parallel to one
another and perpendicular to a long axis of the holster 122. Muzzle
and muzzle insert 132 are generally in line with the long axis.
[0077] Rearwardly disposed muzzle stop boss 117 located below
insert 114 may or may not contact guide rod 131 depending upon the
specific handgun 11 being used. Rearwardly disposed muzzle insert
114 and bosses 115 thereon will function as a lower travel limit in
addition to the positioning function discussed above.
[0078] While the invention has been described with respect to
certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art
without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is
intended therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such
modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope
of the invention.
* * * * *